Communication devices including an illumination source and a physical input sensor

ABSTRACT

Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/957,199, filed Dec. 2, 2015, entitled COMMUNICATION DEVICESINCLUDING AN ILLUMINATION SOURCE AND A PHYSICAL INPUT SENSOR, which is adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/797,673,filed Mar. 12, 2013, entitled COMMUNICATION DEVICES INCLUDING ANILLUMINATION SOURCE AND A PHYSICAL INPUT SENSOR, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/680,195, filed Aug. 6, 2012,entitled VISUAL INDICATOR, all of which are incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments relate generally to communication devices. Exampleembodiments relate to illuminable visual indicators for communicationdevices that may be used in data center port management, digitaldiagnostics, and other similar applications. Further embodiments relateto communication devices including sensors configured to detect physicalinput at the communication device.

Relevant Technology

Data centers play an integral role in providing many computing services.Data centers may include thousands of host devices, such as hostcomputers, switching hubs, network routers, or switch boxes.Communication modules, such as electronic or optoelectronic transceiveror transponder modules, may be connected to these host devices. Somehost devices include multiple cages and can, therefore, accommodatemultiple communication modules simultaneously. Many communicationmodules are pluggable, which permits the modules to be inserted into andremoved from a cage or a port of the host devices. Cages of the hostdevices may include latches for engaging the module to preventaccidental release. Some communication modules include a handle, whichwill allow the modules to be inserted into and/or removed from the hostdevice cage or port by way of the handle. Where the module is engaged bya latch, the handle may allow a user to disengage the latch by pullingthe handle.

Each communication module typically communicates with a printed circuitboard (PCB) of the host device by transmitting and/or receivingelectrical data signals to and/or from the host device PCB. Data signalscan also be transmitted by the communication modules outside the hostdevice as optical and/or electrical data signals. Transmitting datasignals outside the host device may be done via cables plugged into aport of the communication module.

In a data center, thousands of cables may be employed to interconnectthe host devices. Some cable connections may be made using activecommunication devices such as active cables. Active cables includecommunication cables with communication modules at one or both ends ofthe communication cables. One particular active cable may includeoptoelectronic modules connected to one or both ends of an opticalcable. The communication modules at one or both ends of thecommunication cables may be plugged into ports of the host devices. Thecommunication modules of some active cables include handles, which areoften described as “pull tabs.” The communication modules of such activecables may be inserted into and/or removed from ports of host devices byway of the handle.

Frequently, data centers do not have accurate maps of the thousands ofcable connections between ports of the host devices. In some instances,if a host device or communication module issues an alarm that somethinghas gone wrong, finding an exact port on an exact host device may be atime-consuming process. Furthermore, cables are often kept in largebundles of like-colored cables that may be difficult for a person tofollow from one end to another.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodimentsdescribed herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

Embodiments relate to communication devices. In some instances, thecommunication devices may include visual indicators and/or sensors thatmay assist data center port management.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

In an example embodiment, a communication device may include acommunication module including an illumination source and a bodyelement. The body element may be configured to allow illuminationgenerated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminateat least a portion of an outer surface of the first body element.

In another example embodiment, a body element may include a protrusionconfigured to enable a person to grip and remove the communicationmodule from a retaining connection. The protrusion may be configured toallow illumination generated by an illumination source of thecommunication module to propagate within and illuminate at least aportion of an outer surface of the protrusion.

In another example embodiment, a communication module includes a sensorconfigured to detect a physical input applied at the communicationmodule. The sensor is in communication with the communication modulesuch that the communication module performs an act in response to thephysical input applied at the communication module.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. These and other features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificityand detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an example active cable;

FIG. 1B illustrates the active cable of FIG. 1A including illuminatedhandles;

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of a first optoelectronic module ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a bottom perspective view of the first optoelectronic moduleof FIG. 1C;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example optoelectronic transceiverincluding a handle;

FIG. 2B illustrates the optoelectronic transceiver of FIG. 2A with itshandle illuminated;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example optoelectronic transceiverwithout a handle; and

FIG. 3B illustrates the optoelectronic transceiver of FIG. 3A with asurface of the optoelectronic transceiver illuminated.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments relate to communication devices includingilluminable visual indicators and/or sensors for detecting a physicalinput from a user at the communication device. The communication devicemay include a communication module having an illumination source and abody element. The body element may allow illumination generated by theillumination source to propagate within the body element such that anouter surface of the body element is illuminated.

The communication module may alternately or additionally include asensor configured to detect a physical input from a user at thecommunication module. In response to the physical input, thecommunication module may cause the communication module to perform anaction. For example, upon detecting the physical input, thecommunication module may cause an illumination source of a connectedcommunication module to turn on. For example, upon detecting thephysical input, the communication module may send a signal via a cableto the connected communication module such that the connectedcommunication module turns on its illumination source.

Advantageously, when a body element of a communication module isilluminated, it may allow the communication module to be accurately,quickly, and conveniently identified. The illumination may beparticularly helpful for identifying a particular optoelectronic moduleamong a multitude of similar communication modules located together inclose proximity. For example, communication modules having selectivelyilluminable body elements may be particularly useful for identifying aparticular communication module from among other nearby communicationmodules in a data center. Advantageously, including a sensor in acommunication module may allow a user to physically manipulate thecommunication module such that it performs an action such as causing aconnected communication module to illuminate a body element. Theinclusion of a sensor within the communication module may beparticularly useful in finding both ends of a connection when one end ofthe connection is known.

The embodiments described herein can be implemented in variouscommunication modules, including electronic modules, optoelectronicmodules, optical engines, and the like. As used herein, the term“optoelectronic module” includes modules having both optical andelectrical components. Examples of electronic and optoelectronic modulesinclude, but are not limited to, active electrical cables, activeoptical cables, transponders, transceivers, transmitters, and/orreceivers. Electronic and optoelectronic modules can be used, forinstance, in telecommunications networks, local area networks, metroarea networks, storage area networks, wide area networks, and the likeand can be configured to conform with one or more standardized formfactors or multi-source agreements (MSAs), including the QSFP, QSFP+,CXP, CFP, CFP2, CFP4, XFP, SFE, SFP, and SFP+ form factors, withoutrestriction. It will be appreciated, however, that the electronic andoptoelectronic modules need not comply with standardized form factorrequirements and may have any size or configuration necessary accordingto a particular design.

The communication modules according to some embodiments can beconfigured for electrical and/or optical signal transmission andreception at a variety of per-second data rates including, but notlimited to, 10 gigabits per second (G), 40G, 100G, or higher. As usedherein, the terms “10G,” “40G,” “100G,” and similar terms representrounded approximations of common signaling rates and have the meaningscommonly understood by those of skill in the art.

Furthermore, the communication modules according to some embodiments canbe configured for optical signal transmission and reception at variouswavelengths including, but not limited to, 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1470 nm,1490 nm, 1510 nm, 1530 nm, 1550 nm, 1570 nm, 1590 nm, or 1610 nm.Further, the communication modules can be configured to support varioustransmission standards including, but not limited to, Ethernet, FibreChannel, INFINIBAND, and synchronous optical networking (SONET) and/orSynchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH).

Advantageously, embodiments described herein may allow particularcommunication modules to be identified accurately, quickly, andconveniently. In some instances, a user may make a physical input at afirst communication module attached to a cable to cause a secondcommunication module attached to the cable to light up. As a result, auser may accurately, quickly, and conveniently identify both ends of aparticular cable.

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures willbe provided with like reference designations. It should be understoodthat the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations ofexemplary embodiments and, accordingly, are not limiting of the scope ofthe present invention, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example active optical cable 100.Although illustrated as an active optical cable, embodiments may includeactive electronic cables and the like. The active optical cable 100 maybe used in transmitting and receiving optical signals in connection witha host device (not shown) that is operatively connected in someembodiments to a communication network (not shown). As illustrated inFIG. 1A, the active optical cable 100 includes a first optoelectronicmodule 102A and a second optoelectronic module 102B. The firstoptoelectronic module 102A and the second optoelectronic module 102B maybe collectively described as “optoelectronic modules 102.” Collectivereference to the optoelectronic modules 102 should be understood toinclude both or either of the optoelectronic modules 102A, 102B (i.e.,the optoelectronic modules 102 can be considered to include “firstoptoelectronic module 102A and/or second optoelectronic module 102B”).The optoelectronic modules 102 may be communicatively connected by anoptical cable 104. The optoelectronic modules 102 may each include abody 106A and 106B (collectively “bodies 106”). The bodies 106 may beconfigured to form a pluggable connection with the host device. Thebodies 106 may contain connectors (shown in FIG. 1D) that communicateelectrical data signals to the host device.

The optoelectronic modules 102 may each include a handle 108A and 108B(collectively “handles 108”). The handles 108 may be formed fromprotrusions configured to enable a person to grip and remove theoptoelectronic modules 102 from retaining connections. The handles 108may be made from a material that allows illumination to propagate withinthe handles 108. The handles 108 may be configured to transport anddistribute illumination originating from an illumination source 110A and110B (collectively “illumination sources 110”) within the optoelectronicmodules 102 to an exposed surface of the handles 108. In someembodiments, the optoelectronic modules 102 may include conduitsconfigured to propagate illumination from the illumination sources 110to an illumination entry surface of the handles 108. In someembodiments, the handles 108 may be configured to receive illuminationat the illumination entry surface and distribute the illumination evenlyover the exposed surface of the handles 108.

FIG. 1B illustrates the active cable 100 of FIG. 1A includingilluminated handles 108. Either handle 108A or handle 108B may beilluminated independently, or both handles 108 may be illuminated asshown in FIG. 1B. The first optoelectronic module 102A may turn on anillumination source 110A, which may illuminate the handle 108A. Thehandle 108A, when illuminated, may allow a person to identify the firstoptoelectronic module 102A by its illuminated handle 108A. When thehandle 108A is illuminated, a person may be able to accurately, quickly,and conveniently identify the first optoelectronic module 102A among amultitude of communication modules (not shown) similar in appearance andlocated together in close proximity. For example, when the handle 108Ais illuminated, a person may be able to identify the firstoptoelectronic module 102A from among other nearby communication modulesin a data center.

The second optoelectronic module 102B may be configured to turn on anillumination source 110B and illuminate the handle 108B in a manner thatgenerally corresponds to that of the first optoelectronic module 102A.

Handles 108 of optoelectronic modules 102 may provide a relatively largesurface area in a relatively exposed position. Illuminating the handles108 may provide increased visibility for optoelectronic modules 102 thathave turned on their illumination sources 110, particularly whencompared to other indicator lights on a surface of the optoelectronicmodules 102 or the host device. Illuminated handles 108 or other bodyelements extending from the optoelectronic modules 102 may provideincreased visibility from a distance. Although illumination of thehandles 108 is described, other body elements of the optoelectronicmodules 102 may be configured to be illuminated when the illuminationsources 110 of the optoelectronic modules 102 are turned on.

The illumination sources 110 may include one or more light-emittingdiodes (LEDs) located in the optoelectronic modules 102. Alternately oradditionally, another type of illumination source may be used. Theillumination sources 110 may produce multiple colors. In someembodiments, different colors may communicate different diagnosticstates such as messages, alarms, alerts, warnings, information, and thelike. The illumination sources 110 may be made to flash on and off atdifferent rates. In some embodiments, different flashing rates may beused to quantify information about the optoelectronic modules 102, orinformation about the signal being transmitted or received from or atthe communication modules. Alternately or additionally, differentflashing rates may communicate different diagnostic states generallycorresponding to those described with reference to using differentcolors. In some embodiments, the color and/or flashing rates of a firstillumination source 110A at the first optoelectronic module 102A mayindicate a physical address label of the second optoelectronic module102B.

In some embodiments, the signals provided by the illumination sources110 may be observed by the human eye and understood by the observer.Alternately or additionally, the signals provided by the illuminationsources 110 may be received and interpreted by an electronic device.

Diagnostic states communicated by the illumination provided by theillumination sources 110 may include alarm and warning set pointstriggered from: a transmission power of the optoelectronic modules 102,a receiver input power of the optoelectronic modules 102, a temperatureof the optoelectronic modules 102, or a bias current of theoptoelectronic modules 102. Alternately or additionally, diagnosticstates communicated by the illumination provided by the illuminationsources 110 may include: jitter, input amplitudes, output amplitudes ofa signal, loss of signal (LOS), or other fault conditions at theoptoelectronic modules 102. In some embodiments, the illuminationsources 110 in the optoelectronic modules 102 may be turned on for atime when the optoelectronic modules 102 are first plugged in to a hostdevice in order to indicate that the optoelectronic modules 102 areproperly connected.

Illuminating a body element such as the handles 108 of theoptoelectronic modules 102 may allow elimination of indicator lightsthat would otherwise be included on an outer surface of theoptoelectronic modules 102. Surface areas of the optoelectronic modules102 originally reserved for indicator lights may be reallocated foranother use. In instances where indicator lights are included on thehost device for communicating a status of the optoelectronic modules102, the areas of the host devices dedicated to the indicator lights mayinstead be used for other purposes and/or eliminated to increase thedensity of ports on the host device.

The optoelectronic modules 102 may be configured to turn on theillumination sources 110 in response to receiving a command from thehost device. Alternately or additionally, the optoelectronic modules 102may turn on the illumination sources 110 in response to receiving acommand via the optical cable 104.

The command may be transmitted by the first optoelectronic module 102Ato the second optoelectronic module 102B via an out-of-band signal overthe optical cable 104. The out-of-band communication may be done in amanner that does not interfere with data traffic sent through theoptoelectronic modules 102 and through the optical cable 104. In someembodiments, the command may be sent by varying an intensity of a datatraffic optical signal. Alternately or additionally, the command may besent by transmitting direct-current light pulses. Alternately oradditionally, other methods of transmitting out-of-band signals may beused. Causing the first optoelectronic module 102A to send a command tothe second optoelectronic module 102B such that the secondoptoelectronic module 102B turns on its illumination source 110B mayallow a person to quickly and easily identify all ends of the activeoptical cable 100.

The optoelectronic modules 102 may each include a sensor 112A and 112B(collectively “sensors 112”). In some embodiments, the sensor 112A, whenactivated, may preferably cause the first optoelectronic module 102A tosend a command to the second optoelectronic module 102B such that thesecond optoelectronic module 102B turns on its illumination source 110B.Advantageously, the sensor 112A may allow a user at one end of theactive optical cable 100 to accurately, quickly, and convenientlyidentify the second optoelectronic module 102B at the other end of theactive optical cable 100. Alternately or additionally, activating thesensor 112A or activating other similar sensors (not shown) may causethe communication module 102A to provide diagnostic states to a user viathe illumination source 110A as described herein, and/or may cause thecommunication module to communicate with the host device or the secondcommunication module 102B. The second optoelectronic module 102B mayinclude a sensor 112B generally corresponding to the sensor 112A.

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of the first optoelectronic module102A. The optoelectronic module 102A includes the sensor 112A. Thesensor 112A may include, but is not limited to, an actuator, amechanical switch, a force-sensitive resistor or other force-sensitivedevice, a capacitive sensor, a thermal sensor, an inductive sensor, amagnetic sensor, or the like. The sensor 112A may be located in anysuitable position in or on the optoelectronic module 102A. In someembodiments, the sensor 112A may be positioned to receive physical inputapplied to the handle 108A and/or to the optoelectronic module 102Aindependent of the handle 108A. For example, the sensor 112A may beactivated by applying a force 116 to the optoelectronic module 102Aand/or the handle 108. The force 116 may be applied toward a host device(not shown) connected to the optoelectronic module 102A and is describedherein as a pushing force 116.

In some embodiments, the sensor 112A may be activated by moving theoptoelectronic module 102A toward the host device as a result of thepushing force 116. In operation, the optoelectronic module 102A may beurged against a retention latch (not shown) of the host device by aspring or some other biasing device. Many types of optoelectronic module102A include selectively releasable latch mechanisms including biasingdevices for urging the optoelectronic module 102A toward the front ofthe host device and against a retention latch. The selectivelyreleasable latch mechanisms are often operated by rotating a bail at thefront of the optoelectronic module 102A. The bail, which may bedescribed as a driver, may generally correspond to the handle 108A foractivating the sensor 112A as described herein.

Many types of optoelectronic module 102A may be moved toward the hostdevice by applying a pushing force 116 sufficient to overcome thebiasing device urging the optoelectronic module 102A toward the front ofthe host device and against the retention latch. In some embodiments,the optoelectronic module 102A may include a mechanical switch or thelike positioned to be activated by contact with the host device when theoptoelectronic module 102A is moved toward the host device.

Alternately or additionally, the sensor 112A may include a mechanicalswitch or the like positioned to be activated when the mechanical slackof a latching mechanism (not shown) is altered by a pushing force 116applied to the handle 108A. Alternately or additionally, aforce-sensitive sensor such as a force-sensitive resistor, adisplacement-sensitive sensor, a pressure-sensitive sensor, or the likemay be used to sense when a user applies a pushing force 116 to theoptoelectronic module 102A and/or handle 108A.

FIG. 1D is a bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic module 102A.The optoelectronic module 102A includes a printed circuit board (PCB)130 forming an edge connector 132 having multiple conductive contacts134. In some instances, a pin-out scheme for the edge connector 132 mayinclude a redundant ground contact. In some embodiments, the sensor 112Aincludes the redundant ground contact 136. The redundant ground contact136 may be connected to a switch input of the sensor 112A. The redundantground contact 136 may be positioned to form an open electricalconfiguration—i.e., avoid contact—with a connector (not shown) of thehost device when the optoelectronic module 102A is nominally positionedrelative to the host device. The redundant ground contact 136 is furtherpositioned to form a closed electrical configuration—i.e. makecontact—with the connector of the host device when the optoelectronicmodule 102A is pushed toward the host device with a pushing force 116sufficient to overcome the biasing device urging the optoelectronicmodule 102A toward the front of the host device and against theretention latch. The contact between the redundant ground contact 136and the host device contact may act as a switch closure for activatingthe sensor 112A. In some embodiments, the redundant ground contact 136may be located on a low-speed side of the edge connector 132.

Referring again to FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, the sensor 112A may beactivated by applying a force 118 away from the host device, describedherein as a pulling force 118. The degree of the pulling force 118required to activate the sensor 112A is generally less than thatrequired to unlatch or otherwise remove the optoelectronic module 102Afrom the host device. The sensor 112A may be activated by a pullingforce 118 in a manner generally corresponding to the pushing force 116.

In some embodiments, the sensor 112A may be activated by applying force122 to the handle substantially parallel to the relative to the hostdevice. The parallel force 122 may include pressing up, down, sideways,and/or applying a moment relative to the host device. The sensor 112Amay be activated by a parallel force 122 in a manner generallycorresponding to the pushing force 116.

Preferably, the sensor 112A monitors forces on the handle 108A fortemporary physical input against a baseline state determined from a longaverage of the input forces sensed by the sensor 112A. For example, thesensor 112A may include a force-sensitive resistor and may account forstatic loads applied to the handle 108A, such as loads that may resultduring use of the optoelectronic module 102A from cables consistentlypressing on the handle 108A. However, the sensor 112A may alternately oradditionally include one or more mechanical switches and may beactivated by one or more particular forces applied to the handle 108A.

In some embodiments, the sensor 112A may include a sensor 124 configuredto detect a warm and/or conductive body (not shown) proximate to and/orin contact with the sensor 124. The sensor 124 may include a capacitive,thermal, inductive, and/or optical sensor. The sensor 124 may allow auser to activate the sensor 112A by simply placing a finger or the likeproximate to and/or in contact with the sensor 124. The sensor 124 maycover a portion of the handle, as disclosed in FIG. 1C. Alternately, thesensor 124 may cover the handle 108A.

In some embodiments, the sensor 124 may include a membrane switch,force-sensitive resistor, or the like allowing the sensor 112A to beactivated by applying a compressive force 126 to a portion of the handle108A including the sensor 124. For example, the sensor 124 may allow auser to activate the sensor 112A by pinching the tip of the handle 108Abetween two fingers or the like.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example optoelectronic transceiver200 including a handle 202. Although illustrated as an optoelectronictransceiver, embodiments may include electronic transceivers and thelike. The handle 202 is configured to transport and distributeillumination originating from an illumination source 204 within theoptoelectronic transceiver 200 to the surface of the handle 202. FIG. 2Billustrates the optoelectronic transceiver 200 of FIG. 2A with itshandle 202 illuminated. The configuration and operation of theoptoelectronic transceiver 200 and illumination of its handle 202 maygenerally be similar to the configuration and operation of theoptoelectronic modules 102 and handles 108 as described with referenceto FIGS. 1A-1D. The optoelectronic transceiver 200 may be configured toturn on its illumination source 204 upon receiving a command from aconnected host device (not shown) or from another optoelectronictransceiver via a connected cable (not shown). The optoelectronictransceiver 200 may send commands over a connected cable (not shown)that cause a similar optoelectronic transceiver receiving the command toturn on its illumination source. The optoelectronic transceiver 200 mayinclude a sensor 206 generally corresponding to the sensor 112A asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an example optoelectronictransceiver 300 without a handle. Although illustrated as anoptoelectronic transceiver, embodiments may include electronictransceivers and the like. The optoelectronic transceiver 300 may beconfigured to transport and distribute illumination originating from anillumination source 304 within the optoelectronic transceiver 300 to asurface 302. FIG. 3B illustrates the optoelectronic transceiver 300 ofFIG. 3A with the surface 302 illuminated. In some embodiments, thesurface 302 may be selectively illuminated while an active cable isengaged with the optoelectronic transceiver 300. Although a front faceof the optoelectronic transceiver 300 is shown as the illuminatedsurface 302, the optoelectronic transceiver 300 may be configured toalternately or additionally illuminate other visible surfaces. Theconfiguration and operation of the optoelectronic transceiver 300 andillumination of the surface 302 may generally be similar to theconfiguration and operation of the optoelectronic modules 102 andhandles 108, respectively, as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D.In some embodiments, the example optoelectronic transceiver 300 mayinclude a sensor (not shown) generally corresponding to the sensor 112Aas described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D.

Although FIGS. 3A and 3B show an implementation of an illuminated frontface of a Lucent connector (LC) style connectorized device, this conceptmay also be applicable to other connector types, including but notlimited to, subscriber connector (SC), registered jack (RJ), RJ-45,multiple-fiber push-on (MPO), mechanical transfer (MT), and the like. Inaddition, embodiments described herein may be applied to a modulewithout connectors but with a short-length or fiber or copper cableprotruding from the front face of the module, often described as“pigtailed” modules.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optoelectronic communication modulecomprising: a sensor configured to detect a physical input applied atthe optoelectronic communication module, the sensor being incommunication with the optoelectronic communication module such that theoptoelectronic communication module illuminates an illumination sourceof the optoelectronic communication module in response to the physicalinput applied at the optoelectronic communication module; wherein theoptoelectronic communication module is configured to be opticallycoupled to an optical cable to transmit or receive optical data signals.2. The optoelectronic communication module of claim 1, wherein thesensor is configured to detect the physical input including a forceapplied to the optoelectronic communication module toward a host deviceconnected to the optoelectronic communication module.
 3. Theoptoelectronic communication module of claim 2, wherein the sensorincludes a redundant ground contact positioned to form: an openelectrical configuration with a connector of the host device when theoptoelectronic communication module is nominally positioned relative tothe host device, and a closed electrical configuration with theconnector of the host device when the force is applied to theoptoelectronic communication module toward the host device.
 4. Theoptoelectronic communication module of claim 1, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect the physical input including a force applied to theoptoelectronic communication module away from a host device connected tothe optoelectronic communication module.
 5. The optoelectroniccommunication module of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured todetect temporary physical input against a baseline state determined froma long average of the physical input sensed by the sensor.
 6. Theoptoelectronic communication module of claim 1, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect the physical input including a body proximate to orin contact with the sensor.
 7. The optoelectronic communication moduleof claim 1, wherein the illumination source is capable of producing aplurality of colors or flashing on and off at a plurality of rates toindicate a diagnostic state or a physical address label of theoptoelectronic communication module.
 8. A body element of anoptoelectronic transceiver configured to be optically coupled to anoptical cable to transmit or receive optical data signals, the bodyelement comprising: a protrusion configured to enable a person to gripand remove the optoelectronic transceiver from a retaining connection,wherein the protrusion is configured to allow illumination generated byan illumination source of the optoelectronic transceiver to propagatewithin and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of theprotrusion of the optoelectronic transceiver.
 9. The body element ofclaim 8, wherein the protrusion is further configured to allow a sensorof the optoelectronic transceiver to detect a physical input applied atthe protrusion, the sensor configured to prompt the optoelectronictransceiver to transmit a command via a cable configured to transmitoptical signals to and from the optoelectronic transceiver.
 10. The bodyelement of claim 8, further comprising the illumination source, whereinthe illumination source is capable of producing a plurality of colors orflashing on and off at a plurality of rates.
 11. The body element ofclaim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of colors or at leastone of the plurality of rates indicates a diagnostic state or a physicaladdress label of the optoelectronic transceiver.